TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report
Leandro Gonzalez Pirez used to suit up for heated rival River Plate, but Boca Juniors are reportedly ready to look past that.
According to Hernan Castillo of TNT Sports, Boca Juniors are interested in signing Gonzalez Pirez from Atlanta United, but on Tuesday evening TyC Sports reported that the Five Stripes had rejected an offer for the player and said he is untransferable.
On Monday, the player himself had commented on the reports linking him to a return to Argentina.
“I’m very happy here,” Gonzalez Pirez told Doug Roberson of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Boca is a big challenge in my country. Whatever they decide, it’s OK.”
Gonzalez Pirez, 26, has been integral to Atlanta's first two seasons in MLS. He started 64 out of a potential 68 matches his side have played. He began his career with River Plate, Boca's fierce rivals, making 43 appearances across all competitions for the Buenos Aires club. He has also featured in Argentina for Tigre and Estudiantes.
“I’m trying to think about here,” Gonzalez Pirez said. “Now, I’m playing for Atlanta United. This is the most important for me. It’s a big club that wants me, but I try to think here.”
Editor's Note (Jan. 30): This article has been updated from its original version on Jan. 28, 2019.
